Small settlements of Greece: solving the problems of building through demography

In a tense environment caused by active protests inside and outside the parliament, the leadership Ministries of environmental and energy (Υπεν) is working on the creation of a transitional legislative regulation for construction in areaslocated on the outskirts small settlements.

The meetings have become more frequent-the latter passed on Wednesday in the residence of the Prime Minister under the leadership Kiriakos Mitsikitisis, with the participation of the Minister and the Deputy Minister of Environment Stavros Papastavr And Nicosa Tagaras. The goal is to find the legislative formula, which, on the one hand, will comply with the decisions State Council (Στε, συμβούλιο της επικρατείας), and on the other – will calm those whose property risks the depreciation.

What is the problem?

The problem arose after adoption Presidential Decree 194/2025which defines the criteria, methodology and procedures for establishing boundaries small settlements (existing until 1923 and with a population of less 2000 residents) specialists developing local and special urban planning plans throughout the country.

The solution developed by υπεν applies to the so -called zones d The village, which the State Council recognized illegal, because of which it cannot be included in the boundaries of villages when developing plans. We are talking about territories that since 1985 have arbitrarily expanded by decisions of prefects without proper powers and scientific justification. As a result, the property that is today inside the villages will be beyond their borders, which will lead to a decrease in its value.

What solution does υπεν develop?

In fact, υπεν is working on regulation, which recognizes the real residential and geographical connection of plots in zone With the village. At the same time, existing urban planning tools will be used – many of which can be inactive – controlling the use of land in zones outside the plan, where the plots are not intended for construction, for example, Housing zonesregulation for staging or fading settlements, etc.

As the deputy minister said Nikos Tagaras The publication “Economic Tahidromos”, this proposal will take into account not only spatial and urban planning issues, but also Demographic aspects, as well as decentralization issues. The goal is to scientifically reasonably reconsider the minimum sizes of plots for construction in zone G and cover objects that have a real functional and geographical connection with the village. According to the deputy minister, there are urban planning tools that can be finalized to create safe legislative regulation that opens a way out of the situation.

Demography and size of villages in the spotlight

The direction of the new legislative initiative, which will consider the problem in the complex and take into account the rights enshrined by the Constitution, the Prime Minister designated yesterday. Speaking at the radio station Skyhe made it clear that in addition to the demographic problems of each area, data on the population will be taken into account, sharing completely small villages. “The Constitution says that urban planning needs to be carried out to expand the borders of the village. I hear it. On the other hand, the same constitution protects the reasonable trust of a citizen who bought a site and knew what could build on it. You can’t change it off in retroactively. The Constitution protects the right of ownership, speaks of supporting decentralization, mentions the demographic problems we are faced with “,-said the Prime Minister.

Kiriakos Mitsotakis added: “I go differently to the village since 2000 residents and to the village with 300 residents. You have a village with 300 inhabitants, and the boundaries of the village are already determined. But does anyone believe that urban planning will be held in the village with 300 residents? This will never happen in practice. Therefore, we will have an open discussion with the court, but we will take into account all these parameters. If we want to motivate people to return to the villages, we cannot complicate it more than it was. “.

As for the separation of really small villages from those who are empty in winter, and the rest of the time they are overflowing with tourists, the representative of υπεν noted that, in addition to official demographic data Ελστατ (Ελληνική στατιστική αρχήGreek statistical service), data from suppliers of electricity or water can be requested to determine the real size of the village through consumption.

It is noteworthy that even before the adoption of the presidential decree, the possibility of construction in zone were not unlimited because it was not built up according to plan. There were specific criteria for the minimum size and building suitability, for example, the presence of a facade on a public road, which were supposed to be observed for issuing a building permit.

Anyway Nikos Tagaras It emphasizes that the goal is to prevent the empty villages. “We are talking about small villages, and we need to help hold the population or even return it. Each area has its own characteristics. The so -called bearing capacity is important, but it does not regulate everything and should be combined with other factors. “– he noted, adding that the emphasis is on very small settlements.

According to Kiriakos Mitsikitisisthis is a difficult issue, therefore, the formation of final regulation will take several weeks. The Prime Minister also repeated his previous position on the need to revise Articles 24 of the Constitution About environmental protection, but did not give additional explanations.

The opposition and critics of the law say that he aimed at the seizure of land With the help of taxes and other procedures from the property of small owners, and the transfer of them to large agricultural men and landowners.

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